Samuel did what the Lord directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” 1 Samuel 16:4 HCSB
I just returned from vacationing with my family in Fort Morgan, Alabama. On the trip home I used a GPS app on my phone that provided directions on the proper route to take. When we first started out, I was in an unfamiliar location and I depended on the directions from the GPS to guide me to the main highway. Once on the main highway, I left the GPS on because it detected traffic jams, accidents, and other dangers and then alerted us. It even gave us directions to route around an accident or road construction on the main highway. I was not sure what the problem was ahead, but I trusted the GPS and took the exit off of the interstate, knowing that it was providing a better route.
Much like my dependence upon the GPS, Samuel trusted and followed God’s directions. He did not question the directions God provided and went to Bethlehem to anoint a new king of Israel. There have been a few times I have trusted the GPS and it has taken me to the wrong location. We can always trust God, however, to give us good direction.
Challenge: You can find direction from God in four different ways: 1. Read God’s Word; 2. Spend time in prayer seeking God’s direction and listening to what He has to say; 3. Seek advice and input from trusted Christian friends; and 4. Follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit in your life as He impresses on you what is right and wrong. God will use one or all of these methods to show you His plan and direction for your life.